03/05/2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

C ALAMARI, or squid, is a seafood delight that takes on flavours beautifully. Its tender yet chewy texture makes it a favourite across the globe. Here are eight standout calamari dishes ideal for any day you are craving something a little extra from the sea: Sambal calamari stir-fry Spicy, savoury and packed with heat, this Malaysian-inspired dish is a go-to for spice lovers. Ingredients 500g cleaned calamari, cut into rings 2 tablespoons oil 1 onion, sliced 2 tablespoons sambal belacan (or store-bought sambal) 1 teaspoon sugar Salt to taste 1 tablespoon lime juice Optional: Sliced bird’s eye chilli for extra heat Instructions 1. Heat oil in a wok. Saute onions until soft. 2. Add sambal and sugar, and cook until fragrant. 3. Toss in calamari and cook for 3–4 minutes on high heat. 4. Season with salt and lime juice. 5. Serve hot with steamed rice. Salt & pepper calamari A Chinese restaurant favourite with a satisfying crunch and peppery finish. Ű BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN

Creamy risotto brightened with calamari and

lemon zest. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @RECIPES

2–3 minutes. 3. Toss in capsicum and udon noodles. 4. Add sauces, sugar and black pepper. Stir well. 5. Serve hot, garnished with spring onions if desired. Calamari risotto with lemon zest A creamy Italian-style risotto infused with citrussy brightness and tender squid for an elegant dish. Ingredients 500g calamari, cut into small pieces 1 cup Arborio rice 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup dry white wine 4 cups warm fish or vegetable stock Zest of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan Salt and pepper Fresh parsley Instructions 1. In a pan, saute onion in olive oil. Add rice and stir until glossy. 2. Pour in wine and let it absorb. 3. Gradually add stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. 4. When rice is nearly done (about 15 minutes), stir in calamari. 5. Add lemon zest, Parmesan and seasoning. Garnish with parsley. Calamari tacos with mango salsa A playful Western fusion dish ideal for sharing with loved ones. Ingredients 500g calamari, coated in flour and lightly fried 6 small taco shells 1 ripe mango, diced 1/2 red onion, diced 1 red chilli, sliced Juice of 1 lime Salt to taste Fresh coriander Optional: Sour cream or sriracha mayo Instructions 1. Combine mango, onion, chilli, lime juice and salt to make salsa. 2. Fry calamari until golden and crispy. 3. Warm taco shells slightly. 4. Fill with calamari, top with mango salsa and coriander. 5. Drizzle with sour cream or spicy mayo if desired. With Asian spices that wake up your taste buds and Western classics that feel like home, these recipes prove that squid is not just a fancy appetiser but also the star of any meal.

Sambal calamari stir-fry is savoury squid tossed in spicy sambal sauce. – PIC FROM

YOUTUBE @MARION KITCHEN

Culinary adventures with calamari

Ingredients 500g calamari rings

3 tablespoons cornflour 1 tablespoon plain flour 1 teaspoon white pepper Salt to taste 1 fresh chilli, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced Spring onions, chopped Oil for deep frying

o Eight irresistible squid dishes

Golden-fried calamari rings served with tangy tartare. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @CHEF’S PENCIL 2. Coat in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. 3. Deep-fry until golden. 4. Serve hot with tartare sauce on the side. Calamari black pepper udon This stir-fried noodle dish delivers bold umami notes with a peppery kick.

Fresh coriander and mint 1 tablespoon fish sauce Juice of 1 lime 1 teaspoon sugar 1 chilli, chopped (adjust to taste) Instructions 1. Boil calamari briefly, then cool under cold water. 2. Mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and chilli in a bowl. 3. Toss calamari with the dressing, onion, tomato and herbs. 4. Chill before serving for extra freshness. Grilled calamari with garlic butter A Mediterranean-inspired dish that is simple but full of rich, buttery flavour.

Instructions 1. Mix cornflour, flour, pepper and salt. Coat calamari evenly. 2. Deep-fry until golden and crispy, then drain. 3. In a separate pan, saute garlic and chilli. 4. Toss in the fried calamari and spring onions quickly. 5. Serve immediately for the best crunch. Thai calamari salad ( yam pla muek ) Zesty and refreshing, this Thai-style salad balances spice, sourness and sweetness beautifully. Ingredients 500g calamari, boiled for 1–2 minutes 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 tomato, diced

Smoky, tender calamari glazed in rich garlic butter. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @DEVILISHLY FAVOURITE FOOD

3 tablespoons melted butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon lemon zest Juice of half a lemon

Ingredients 400g calamari rings

Salt and pepper Chopped parsley

2 packs fresh udon noodles 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 1. Marinate calamari in butter, garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt and pepper. 2. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred. 3. Sprinkle with parsley before serving. Calamari rings with tartare sauce The Western classic that is crispy on the outside and tender inside, with creamy dip on the side. Ingredients 500g calamari rings 1 cup flour 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup breadcrumbs Salt and pepper Oil for deep frying Ready-made tartare sauce or mayo with pickles and lemon juice Instructions 1. Season calamari with salt and pepper.

Ingredients 500g whole calamari, cleaned

1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon oil 1/2 onion, sliced 1/2 capsicum, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper calamari is a lightly crisped favourite at Chinese restaurants. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @SPICE AND PANS Thai calamari salad balances spice, sourness and sweetness beautifully. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @NUTH AND NIKY

Instructions 1. Heat oil in a wok. Saute garlic and onion until soft. 2. Add calamari and cook for

Crispy calamari tucked in tacos with sweet mango salsa. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @SUGAR FREE

Stir-fried udon noodles with calamari and bold black pepper. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @OKI